Exacum affine vs Wood Avens

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Exacum affine

Digestive

Wood Avens

Geum urbanum

Digestive

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Exacum affine

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Wood Avens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

A Socotra/South Asian gentian relative used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for fever and digestive issues.

Common perennial weed of hedgerows and woodland edges; roots smell of cloves due to eugenol; used in European folk medicine as digestive bitter and tonic.

Active Compounds

xanthones, iridoids, flavonoids

tannins, eugenol, flavonoids, gein, phenolic acids

Traditional Uses

Fever treatment, Digestive tonic, Anti-inflammatory use

Digestive conditions in European folk medicine, Fever treatment, Diarrhea, Used since medieval times as food flavoring and tonic

Modern Uses

Antipyretic activity, Digestive support

Astringent, Antimicrobial via eugenol, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive bitter

Adult Dosage

1-2g dried herb as tea

2–3 g root as decoction; 2–3 mL tincture

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution

Pregnancy in large doses, Constipation

Side Effects

Mild digestive upset

GI irritation in excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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